Smoke Damper Testing

From Gvrahe

The requirements of damper testing (fire, smoke and combination) are found in NFPA 80 Fire Doors and Windows and NFPA 105 Standard for the Installation of Smoke Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives. In these documents the testing requirements are as follows:

2007 NFPA 80 19.4* Periodic Inspection and Testing. 19.4.1 Each damper shall be tested and inspected 1 year after installation. 19.4.1.1 The test and inspection frequency shall then be every 4 years, except in hospitals, where the frequency shall be every 6 years. 19.4.2 All tests shall be completed in a safe manner by personnel wearing personal protective equipment.

2007 NFPA 105 6.5 Periodic Inspection and Testing. 6.5.1 Smoke dampers for dedicated and non-dedicated smoke control systems shall be inspected and tested in accordance with NFPA 921, Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations. 6.5.2 Each damper shall be tested and inspected one year after installation. The test and inspection frequency shall then be every 4 years, except in hospitals, where the frequency shall be every 6 years. 6.5.3 Care shall be exercised that all tests are completed in a safe manner wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment.

Now the duct smoke detector is another story and this would need to follow the requirements of NFPA 72. Typically this will not mean getting into the ceiling as these are addressable devices and can be checked through the fire alarm system.

Authorities having jurisdiction should not be using NFPA 72 for damper testing as this is not in 72s jurisdiction.